Sefton Park Palm House is marking its fifteenth birthday since restoration with a series of commemorative events over the next twelve months.

To kick start the milestone celebrations, trustees, campaigners and volunteers brought jazz to the iconic Victorian glasshouse on the venue’s official anniversary, to honour former patron and Liverpool jazz musician George Melly, as well as the collective efforts leading to the Palm House’s full restoration and grand re-opening in 2001.

Special tribute events will run through to September 2017 with a diverse range of activities welcoming everyone to see what has been achieved.

Interim Director of Sefton Park Palm House Janet Pell said: “Sefton Park is one of the city’s most beloved green spaces and the Palm House is its crown jewel.

“The first event for our fifteenth birthday celebrations brought back some of those unwavering campaigners on that exact day in 2001 when they reopened the venue to the public.

“We would not be here without them and this jazz tribute also remembers those who supported the Palm House campaign over so many campaigning years, but sadly are no longer with us, such as George Melly.

“So much has changed over the past decade and half, thanks to the continued support of our Trustees, volunteers and regular visitors.

“The work of our brilliant staff and partners makes our events programme what is today.